Join me on a 6-part web series as I share with you MY NOVA SCOTIA JOYRIDE
#NSJOYRIDE
by: Tracey Drake, Editor in Chief NICHE magazine & atHOME Victoria magazine
( follow hashtag #TheTravellingEditor on instagram and twitter)
I was fortunate enough to be part of an invited group on a monumental travel experience trip called Nova Scotia Joy Ride. It was eight days of exceptional travel, exploration, fun and educational adventure, in and around Halifax. I love my West Coast lifestlyle, and eager to discover the waterfront culture in Halifax, I was not disappointed in my day’s adventure on the friendliest boardwalk in Canada. With the help of my journalist travel mates (Ariane Colenbrander from Vancouver, and New Yorkers Vicki Salemi and Yvonne Yorke), I tried bacon poutine, rum soaked cake, segway riding and red hot glass blowing; without question, it was a day of firsts for me.
Part 3 – HALIFAX WATERFRONT
I was staying at the Westin Nova Scotian, which is at the south end of the Halifax waterfront, right next to the new Seaport Market. From the front door of the hotel, I was able to walk the entire length of the waterfront of this lovely East Coast city.
The Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk is a leisurely three kilometre footpath along this city’s stunning urban harbour. Dotted with shopping areas like Bishop’s Landing, and tourist attractions like Cable Wharf, there is a world of East Coast wonders to see.
Although you can walk the length of the boardwalk, we opted to try our hand (and feet) at tourism by segway. The patient and easy going guys at Nova Scotia Segway taught us how to use this body propelled machine, and we were on our way – exploring the boardwalk for the better part of two hours. (PS – I know I said it at least a hundred times, but if I nearly knocked you over that afternoon – sorry!)
A few stops I recommend:
- Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has the world’s finest collection of wooden artifacts from Titanic.
- Seaport Farmers’ Market is a one-stop shop for fresh produce, local fare and crafty creations, with about 140 vendors on weekends.
- The Rum Runners Cake Factory in Bishop’s Landing is a must-stop for getting the lo-down on Nova Scotia history! Take a cake home – made with Cape Breton rum or whiskey; it’s a uniquely Nova Scotian treat!
- Sugah! makes sweets the old fashioned way and their selection of chocolates, and sea salted sweets will satisfy any sweet tooth.
Make sure you eat at:
- The Bicycle Thief is a great restaurant right on the Halifax boardwalk. They call their cuisine “North American food with Italian soul”. I would agree. You can’t miss it – just look for the bright red bicycles hanging from the corner of the building. Try the Pistachio Honey Crusted Atlantic Salmon and the Puff Pastry Crostata made with brown sugar roasted shallots and local goat cheese.
- Smoke’s Poutinerie is a food shack on the boardwalk that you should not walk by without sampling. Try the Bacon Poutine (and I would suggest having it before you stroll the 3km waterfront so you can walk it off!).
- Two If By Sea Cafe Bakeshop is across the waterway from Halifax in Dartmouth and accessible by a quick ferry ride. Not only do you get to see the entire Halifax waterfront from across the water, but I strongly recommend you order the warm Prosciutto and Cheese Croissant and a house specialty Cappuccino. You can thank me later!
The boardwalk on the Halifax waterfront has undergone a face lift in recent years. If you haven’t been to Halifax in awhile, do yourself a favour and get back there! Although the amazing vistas, unique shops, delicious cuisine and East Coast experiences will leave you with great memories, it is the warmth and hospitality of its people that will make it a favourite travel destination.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Make sure you wear sensible walking shoes so that your feet are happy. Although my Michael Kors thong heeled sandals were cute, I had to make a pit stop for a pair of DAWGS – and let me tell you – I love these #Canadian made shoes. Similar to TOMS, they are cute and comfortable! Oh yes, and I grabbed some delicious sea salted caramel sauce to take home to BC also!
Allow a full day for exploring Halifax’s waterfront. There is so much to see and do. The glassblower, local artisans, beer, food, shopping and of course, just taking time to sit on a bench and soak in the amazing coastal scenery.
Check out the tourism website for more information on the Halifax boardwalk and waterfront area.
SEE BELOW FOR MORE IMAGES Photo credits: NICHE/atHOME magazines and Destination Halifax
ALSO READ:
Part 1 – SEX AND THE CITADEL: THE LIPSTICK BRIGADE TAKE ON HALIFAX’S FAMOUS FORT GEORGE
Part 2 – HALIFAX HYDROSTONE DISTRICT: SOMETHING QUITE EXTRAORDINARY
My special thanks to Pam Wamback at Nova Scotia Tourism and Regis Dudley at Destination Halifax for an amazing East Coast journey!
